Thursday, May 17, 2012

DIY Desk Makeover

I present to you...my beloved $39 desk post makeover

Do you know how hard it is to find an old-ish looking desk in a fun color on Craigslist or at a garage sale? HARD! So I decided I'd take matters into my own hands. A couple weekends ago we went "into town" (we laugh when we say this...we are suburbanites now baby!) and hit up some thrift stores. I found an unfinished wood vanity I loved for $120 but decided to check out one more place. No lie, this place is called Furniture and Junk and the most adorable old little man owns it. I knew it was perfect right when I laid eyes on it. Behold...the $39 desk pre-makeover...

So how did I take pic #2 to pic #1?

In non Ruthie fashion...I did lots of research. I am probably the most impatient person on the face of the earth so it shouldn't surprise you I wanted this project to be quick and easy and not involve any sanding.

I went with Zinsser Cover Stain Primer for a few reasons. #1- it requires no sanding. #2- it sticks to anything, including laminate and the desk had a laminate finish on top.

Another thing I did research on was my type of brush, and I'm glad I did. I've always used standard rollers for interior paint but found that a foam roller would help decrease lines and streaks on furniture. A foam roller is a MUST.

Step 1- wipe down desk and rid of cobwebs, residue, etc. Make sure the desk is completely dry before priming

Step 2- Remove drawers and hardware

Step 3- prime. If you're like me and a little OCD and over the top, this is the step where you paint 37 coats of primer. This is definitely the most time consuming step but I recommend you be patient (yes pot calling the kettle black). Be sure to paint thin coats of primer, you will want to do multiple coats as well. For edges, nooks and crannies, I recommend a foam crafting brush (you know the brushes with red handles from Hobby Lobby for $.50?)

Step 4- this primer dries really fast but to be safe, I let it dry overnight (look how patient I am!). This also could have been because I was out of DVR shows and covered in white paint. I never got a picture of the top coat paint but I used the Wal Mart brand of paint in Spicy Paprika. I recommend a semi gloss or satin finish for furniture- I went with a semi gloss. This is the fun part...painting over the primer! I did 3 coats of semi gloss paint just to be safe and I am incredibly happy with my results. Again, thin coats of paint with a foam roller.

Step 5- hardware. I wasn't crazy about the dark gold hardware on the desk but didn't feel like going out and searching for new hardware. To spruce the hardware up, I sprayed each piece with Krylon Indoor/Outdoor Gray primer and let dry. Next up I sprayed them with Krylon Oil Rubbed Bronze spray paint in a satin finish.

I let the desk dry overnight before attaching the hardware, just to be safe.

I am so happy with my finished product and look forward to using my desk in my craft/blogging room. Now to find a chair!

Total cost of project

Desk $39

Primer $26 (I have 80% of the primer left and I know I will use it on future projects)

Paint $18 (again, I have about 90% of the paint left and will find a use for it)

Foam rollers $6

oh and PS...remember that baby sprinkle I threw? Mary had her sweet baby boy last night! He is perfect!

It turned out so awesome! I love the color you chose. And yes, Craigslisting takes SO much patience. I've been looking for a kitchen table and it's ridiculous the amount of money people are asking for USED furniture! I want to email them and ask if the President or a King used to eat at their table :)

This is beyond adorable. You did a great job! It looks brand new. When I did a refinishing project, I used spray paint,which also worked well. The table I did had less nooks and crannies though. This makes me want to refinish something else in a bold color. Thanks for sharing!

Gah!! I love this, Ruthie! This reminds me a bit of the desk I had as a little girl...so cute :) I need to get some vintage furniture pieces...I love a good re-do project! Now, if only I had a place to spray paint. This would have to be done outside my apartment and who knows how the Seattle weather would hold in the drying process! Perhaps I can bring my paint projects to my cousins house who has a yard!

omg ruthie i can't believe how perfect is it that i read this post!! i just found a set of end tables at a thrift store (pic is on my blog), which would actually look great with that desk, but sorry the tables are mine....i need to paint them and have been researching how. soooo thanks for saving me the time and trouble. you rock. love that color, btw.

Your desk looks great, but I have one question...how has it held up over time? I want to do a dresser in my boys room following your instructions, but I'm worried the paint will chip off with wear and tear of rough kids. How has yours been?

Oh my goodness - I just bought the bedroom set that matches this desk! All the little details are exactly the same. I thought it was all wood but realized part was laminate and started researching how to refinish it and found your post! So so glad I did and I hope mine turns out as great as yours!

Oh my goodness - I just bought the bedroom set that matches this desk! All the little details are exactly the same. I thought it was all wood but realized part was laminate and started researching how to refinish it and found your post! So so glad I did and I hope mine turns out as great as yours!